What is the Protection & Advocacy (P&A) System?
• The federally-mandated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) System is collectively the largest provider of legally based advocacy services for people with disabilities in the United States. • There is a P&A agency in every State, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. Territories. Additionally, there is a Native American P&A in the Four Corners region of the U.S. The Governor in each jurisdiction designates the P&A agency. Most are private non-profit agencies, but a few are part of a Legal Services organization or are an independent state agency. • Since 1975 P&As have been mandated by various Federal statutes to provide legal representation and other advocacy services to adults and children with any type of disability — including but not limited to those with intellectual, emotional, sensory, and physical disabilities. • Each year, the P&A System serves approximately 100,000 individuals with disabilities through individual case representation and systemic advocacy. • P&As pursue legal, a
